A FRONT-bench politician visited Rugby to discuss healthcare challenges with GPs from the town.
Preet Kaur Gill, the Shadow Minister for Primary Care and Public Health, met Dr Lesli Davies and her colleagues at Clifton Road Surgery to discuss a range of issues relating to NHS services in Rugby and surrounding villages.
She said: “There are still 2,000 fewer GPs than in 2015. Part of the problem is experienced family doctors and newly qualified GPs are hanging up their stethoscopes.”
Dr Davies – who herself retired two days after the visit, having worked in the NHS for over 25 years – said: “We were grateful Preet Kaur Gill took time during her campaigning to hear our concerns.
“She certainly seemed to listen and we were pleased to hear she supported the partnership model of general practice.”
They were joined by John Slinger, the Labour candidate for the Rugby constituency.
He said:”The GPs set out the many challenges facing primary care.
“I have met local doctors, nurses, dentists and pharmacists, as well as Healthwatch and community health groups, to get their perspective. They paint a picture of decline and crisis in healthcare.
“The NHS has been left on its knees. Waiting lists have grown to 7.5 million, and people struggle to get GP appointments and timely treatment at hospital.
“Staff morale is low and the systems are struggling to cope with demand.
“I’ve also met the CEO of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust to discuss how to improve services at the Hospital of St Cross. I fully support planned improvements to urgent care and am pressing the Trust to implement a doctor-led urgent care service as soon as possible.
“I will always fight to protect services and where possible, expand them in the interests of our growing population.”
